Kids who enjoy eating their meals in a travel high chair are more likely to try healthy foods, if one expert's words are anything to go by.

According to paediatric dietician Judy Moore, putting the focus on family-based meals is important when it comes to youngsters' wellbeing.

Speaking on behalf of the Ten Steps for Healthy Toddlers (TSFHT) programme, she urged parents to avoid giving their little ones sugary snacks in an attempt to control their behaviour.

"I think a lot of parents use food as a reward, or to keep them quiet, and it's not the best idea but [it] is an easy thing to do," she remarked.

Gill Harris, a consultant paediatric clinical psychologist who is also helping with the campaign, said that tots should be taught about healthy eating so they carry it on as they grow older.

Research published by the Infant & Toddler Forum to coincide with the TSFHT scheme found that 44 per cent of parents have never received advice on toddler nutrition.

Posted by Samantha KellyADNFCR-3005-ID-19875032-ADNFCR